When you think of Idaho, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Which one is it? Coeur d’Alene, Pocatello, or Lewiston? This landlocked state has many beautiful places that you should visit. Each one has a story to tell. Some of these places have won awards and are known for many things, from the amazing things the people have done to the natural beauty of the land. People first came to this pristine land almost 14,500 years ago, and it only took a glance to see how beautiful it was. Idaho has been a gracious home ever since. You can see the sights, hike, fish, hunt, or just explore the best of what the Western United States has to offer. Idaho has a lot of these things. Get ready to learn why these towns are American classics.
Coeur d’Alene
It was named “Heart of an Awl” by French travelers and fur traders in the early 1800s. The town is by the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. This body of water is famous for its clear water and the many fun things that people can do there, like fishing and water sports. To begin, this popular spot hosts the Ironman Triathlon every summer, which brings in both athletes and tourists. You can go to the town’s historic downtown after the events. Coeur d’Alene’s downtown has many shops, restaurants (like Midtown Bluebird), and art galleries (like The Art Spirit Gallery) all in buildings that were built in the late 1800s and have been carefully preserved. You could always take a break and go to the nearby Coeur d’Alene National Forest, which is 700,000 acres big and has climbing trails and camping spots that are great for exploring and hiking.
Salmon
Salmon is close to the Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness, so you already know that you’re in for a big outdoor adventure with lots of trails for climbing and exploring wildlife. The town is home to the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Education Center, which is named after the famous Shoshone guide and tells stories about Native American history. With the Lemhi Historical Museum’s artifacts and historical displays, your trip will already be one of the most interesting and informative. But if you want to make things even more interesting, the town offers one-of-a-kind overnight horse and mule-packing trips that let people ride horses through Idaho’s wild wilderness.
Driggs
At Driggs, you can go climbing in some truly amazing places. This beautiful scenery is perfectly placed near the majestic Grand Teton mountain range, giving you access to some of the most beautiful views and best hiking. There are also lots of fishing and water things to do in the summer on the nearby Snake River, but the cool weather might make it more appealing. There are a lot of fairs in the town, like the Annual Driggs Snowscapes and the Teton Valley Farmers Market, if you’re looking for things to do in the area. All kinds of people can enjoy these events, which have everything from beautiful snow sculptures to tasty, healthy food.
Sun Valley
You should go to this vacation town if you want to relax in a peaceful place. Sun Valley has some of the best skiing venues in the world. It’s where events like the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation competitions are held. It makes sense that this place is both popular and appealing, drawing famous people like Ernest Hemingway, who wrote several books while living there. Sun Valley’s building is based on Swiss chalet styles. Its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities have made it one of the best places to ski in the United States. The Sun Valley Music Festival, which runs from July 27 to August 21 and features performances by the Idaho Symphony, is what makes this place stand out. It is one of the biggest free classical music events in the U.S. Main Street is always busy, even if you don’t make it to the event. You can get a filling meal and a drink at places like the Sawtooth Brewery Public House and the Pioneer Saloon.
Pocatello
Pocatello is known as “The Gate City” because it is the entrance to Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Families come from all over the country to live there, and it is rated as one of the best places for young families to live. If you want to relax, though, plan your trip around Pocatello’s annual Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair. This event celebrates local farming and community with a carnival, live music, and animal shows. The Pocatello Junction Historic District has many old buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. People can explore it or see the famous Fort Hall Replica. People in the city also love animals and the outdoors, so the Pocatello Zoo is a popular place for them to visit. Wildlife like bears, bison, wild cats, and dogs will be a big hit with kids.
McCall
Although McCall is close to Payette Lake, it is known for water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, which are most popular in the summer. Even though McCall is known for its events all year, a lot of people also come to see the ice sculptures, parades, and different winter sports competitions at the McCall Winter Carnival every January. The town of McCall has the Central Idaho Historical Museum, which tells stories about the pioneers who lived there. It also has the historic Hotel McCall, which was built in the early 1900s and has been the home of many famous people from the area. For those who want to get some fresh air, McCall is known for its clean air and outdoor lifestyle, which makes it a great place for health-conscious tourists.
Sandpoint
There isn’t sand all around Sandpoint, but the land around it is interesting. This well-known city is surrounded by beautiful scenery, such as Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains. Even though there are lots of places to fish and go boating here, the heart of the city also needs attention. Both can be enjoyed by taking a train ride along the romantic railway that runs along the lake and gives stunning views of the scenery. A fast walk through downtown can also help you learn about the history and design of important buildings like the Bonner County Historical Society Museum and the Panida Theater, which is a beautifully restored vaudeville theater from 1927.
Last Thoughts
Idaho is a state with a lot of natural beauty, history, and charm. It has many places to visit all year long that keep people interested. Each town has its unique way of inviting discovery, from the beautiful views of Coeur d’Alene and its lively downtown to the exciting wilderness around Salmon. Idaho’s vacation spots have something for every type of traveler, from those looking for excitement in the outdoors in Driggs to those seeking world-class skiing in Sun Valley to those seeking peace by the lake in McCall. Idaho is beautiful because of these towns. They are full of history and culture, which will make you want to go back again and again.
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